When Angus was adopted four years ago, life inside a house was completely new to him. He’d never had toys, furniture or holiday traditions before — so his family happily introduced him to all of it. These days, Angus enjoys most classic dog pastimes … with one small caveat.
“He doesn’t really know how to play or fetch,” Angus’ mom, Debbie O’Hara, told The Dodo. “But he loves destroying stuffed animals or anything that squeaks.”
At first, Angus’ enthusiasm came with a learning curve. Adjusting to indoor life triggered some separation anxiety, and a few household items paid the price.
“He’s chewed part of our couch, a brand-new ottoman and two foam bed covers,” O’Hara said. “That all happened before he was comfortable being left at home.”
Eventually, things calmed down — until the holidays arrived.
Last Christmas Eve, Angus decided to fully embrace the spirit of giving … by opening every present himself.
“He opened all our gifts,” O’Hara said. “He ate a big box of Purdy’s chocolates and a four-pack of Kit Kats.”
Miraculously, Angus suffered no ill effects — a fact his family refers to as his “stomach of steel.” While everyone made sure he was OK, the damage had already been done.
“Some family members got gifts with chewed boxes,” O’Hara said. “And we had to replace a hoodie because he ripped it open.”
Determined to avoid a repeat performance, O’Hara did her best to hide this year’s presents and keep them out of Angus’ reach. She almost succeeded.
“This year I forgot one bag of unwrapped gifts where he could get to them while we were shopping,” she said. “He ate the toffee and peanut butter cups, and a couple of boxes have tears in them — but honestly, that’s tradition now.”
Despite his track record, Angus never gets scolded. He’s a sensitive soul who doesn’t mean any harm — he just gets overwhelmed with excitement, especially during the holidays.
“We love him like he’s our child,” O’Hara said. “And you can tell he feels the same.”
And if a few chewed gifts are the price of celebrating Christmas with Angus? His family wouldn’t have it any other way.
